Mexico's president declared there is "no risk" for World Cup visitors after violence erupted across the country following the military killing of notorious drug cartel boss 'El Mencho.' The death of the powerful leader has triggered widespread unrest, raising fresh concerns about security for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mexican authorities maintain they can guarantee safety for international visitors despite the ongoing violence.
Mexican military forces killed the drug lord during a major operation, eliminating one of the country's most wanted criminals who had evaded capture for years. El Mencho led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico's most powerful and violent criminal organizations with operations spanning multiple states. His cartel controlled lucrative drug trafficking routes into the United States and commanded thousands of armed fighters.
The killing sparked immediate violent retaliation from cartel members across several Mexican states including Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. Armed groups blocked major highways, set vehicles ablaze, attacked government buildings, and engaged in prolonged firefights with security forces. The violence forced authorities to deploy additional military units and temporarily shut down airports in affected regions.
Mexico will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, with 13 matches scheduled across three Mexican cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The tournament represents one of the world's largest sporting events, expected to draw more than one million international visitors over the month-long competition. Guadalajara sits in Jalisco state, the heart of El Mencho's former cartel territory.
The recent violence has intensified international scrutiny of Mexico's ability to guarantee safety during the upcoming World Cup. Previous major sporting events in countries facing security challenges have required extensive international cooperation and massive security deployments. Brazil faced similar concerns before hosting the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics amid high crime rates in host cities.
Mexican government officials point to successful security operations during previous international events as evidence of their capabilities to protect visitors. The country hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cups without major security incidents, though the current cartel violence represents a significantly different challenge than existed during those tournaments. Authorities have begun developing comprehensive security plans involving federal police, military units, and international intelligence sharing.
FIFA has yet to comment publicly on the security situation or any potential impact on World Cup planning and preparations. The organization typically works closely with host nations to assess and address security concerns well in advance of tournaments. With less than two years until the competition begins, security planning becomes increasingly critical for ensuring visitor safety and tournament success.